civil rightsNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94civil rightsWed, 21 Feb 2018 21:57:29 +0000civil rightshttp://kcur.org
Stephen KorandaMembers of the Senate Judiciary Committee say Kansans wrongly convicted of crimes deserve to be compensated by the state. The panel amended and advanced a bill Monday that would do that using more than just cash. Right now, Kansas pays nothing automatically to people imprisoned on botched convictions. People in that situation can use lawsuits to seek payments, but the bill in the legislature would create a system for compensation without a legal fight. Republican Sen. Molly Baumgardner suggested trimming the proposed payments in the plan from $80,000 for each year spent in jail to $50,000, because that’s what the federal government pays. “You cannot give these folks their years back,” Baumgardner said. “I thought that was a good start.” Lawmakers last week heard about the challenges people face after being wrongly convicted of crimes. They had lost time with their families and everything they owned. After being released from prison, they were left broke with no credit or work history. Kansas Bill Now Offers Wrongly Imprisoned Benefits, But Less Moneyhttp://kcur.org/post/kansas-bill-now-offers-wrongly-imprisoned-benefits-less-money
116969 as http://kcur.orgMon, 19 Feb 2018 22:36:49 +0000Kansas Bill Now Offers Wrongly Imprisoned Benefits, But Less MoneySegment 1: Kansas City playwright uses murders of Leon Jordan and James Townsend as inspiration to connect 1960s civil rights movements to today's. In the long history of Kansas City's Green Duck Lounge, two of its owners, both considered icons in the community, were each was shot dead, one in 1970 and the other in 2015. The murders are the basis for a new work , which couples the civil rights activities of the 60s to those of today. Michelle Tyrene Johnson , playwright, race and culture reporter at KCUR Glenn Rice , reporter for The Kansas City Star ​Michelle Tyrene Johnson's 'The Green Duck Lounge' runs at the Rhynsburger Theatre on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia from February 21 to 25. For times and tickets, visit Theatre.Missouri.edu . Segment 2, beginning at 17:03: City Council members on the state of Kansas City. A panel discussion with City Council members about the latest developments surrounding KCI, what infrastructure in Kansas City most urgently needsSeg. 1: Play Links Civil Rights Movement Then & Now. Seg. 2: City Councilors On KCI, Police Budget.http://kcur.org/post/seg-1-play-links-civil-rights-movement-then-now-seg-2-city-councilors-kci-police-budget
116864 as http://kcur.orgFri, 16 Feb 2018 23:20:16 +0000Stephen KorandaIf you’re released from prison in some states after a wrongful conviction, you could be owed millions of dollars or a promise of a college education. In Kansas and 17 other states, you get nothing. On Wednesday, lawmakers heard from men who’d lost decades behind bars on bogus convictions. They emerged middle-aged and broke, with no work history or credit rating.Wrongly Imprisoned In Kansas Now And State Pays Nothing, But Bill Offers Compensationhttp://kcur.org/post/wrongly-imprisoned-kansas-now-and-state-pays-nothing-bill-offers-compensation
116749 as http://kcur.orgWed, 14 Feb 2018 22:57:58 +0000Wrongly Imprisoned In Kansas Now And State Pays Nothing, But Bill Offers CompensationAfter the 2016 presidential election, many people were surprised by Donald Trump's win. National news organizations sent reporters out to so-called "Trump country," trying to figure out what they missed. We take a look at how stories that unfold nationally play out in Midwestern states. Then: A look back at the fight for gay rights in Kansas. KCUR's C.J. Janovy shares stories of activists who both struggled and found solidarity in an inhospitable state. Guests: Ted Genoways , writer and journalist Trip Gabriel, National Correspondent , The New York Times C.J. Janovy, KCUR Arts Reporter and author of No Place Like Home: Lessons in Activism from LGBT KansasMedia During A Year Of Trump + 'No Place Like Home'http://kcur.org/post/media-during-year-trump-no-place-home
115801 as http://kcur.orgThu, 25 Jan 2018 18:05:06 +0000Media During A Year Of Trump + 'No Place Like Home'Today, we speak with a University of Kansas student who won an international competition focused on designing a spacecraft capable of reaching Mars and returning to Earth. Then: James Baldwin's legacy still resonates with today's thinkers on race in Kansas City. We discuss how his ideas still relate with the current social climate. Guests: Bailey Miller , graduate student, KU School of Engineering Cecilia Belser-Patton , co-founder, Just Systems D. Rashaan Gilmore , host of Unbossed and Unbothered Gwen Grant , president and CEO, Urban League of Greater Kansas CityGetting To Mars And Back; Life And Legacy Of James Baldwinhttp://kcur.org/post/getting-mars-and-back-life-and-legacy-james-baldwin
115385 as http://kcur.orgTue, 16 Jan 2018 19:12:07 +0000Getting To Mars And Back; Life And Legacy Of James BaldwinDuring the Vietnam War, military conflict in Southeast Asia aggravated flaring social issues back home. Today, we discuss how activism during the war advanced the fight for civil rights on many fronts, and how mass protests then compare to today's resistance movements. Then, renowned biographer Walter Issacson takes us into the mind of Leonardo da Vinci . Learn about the original Renaissance man, who painted Mona Lisa and The Last Supper , and laid groundwork for centuries of scientific progress. As part of Big Read KC , UMKC history professors Sandra Enríquez and Rebecca Davis will discuss Vietnam War-era protests at the Kansas City Public Library's Central Library at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25. For more information, visit KCLibrary.org . Walter Isaacson presents his new biography, 'Leonardo da Vinci,' at the Unity Temple on the Plaza at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 27. For ticketing and more information, visit RainyDayBooks.com .Comparing 1960s Protests To Today's, And New Revelations About Leonardo Da Vincihttp://kcur.org/post/comparing-1960s-protests-todays-and-new-revelations-about-leonardo-da-vinci
111810 as http://kcur.orgMon, 23 Oct 2017 20:07:54 +0000Comparing 1960s Protests To Today's, And New Revelations About Leonardo Da VinciThe NAACP of Missouri has issued its first-ever travel advisory for the state, warning of harassment and discrimination. A look at whether Missouri is safe for people of color ... and whether safety related to race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation is something that people think about when planning their travels. Plus, a former Kansas City Star editorial writer joins the Peace Corps and says goodbye to KC . Guests: Rod Chapel, President, Missouri NAACP Yael AbouhalkahNAACP Missouri Travel Advisory; Yael Abouhalkahhttp://kcur.org/post/naacp-missouri-travel-advisory-yael-abouhalkah
108490 as http://kcur.orgThu, 03 Aug 2017 17:40:40 +0000NAACP Missouri Travel Advisory; Yael AbouhalkahGina KaufmannAt a crossroads in his life, Kansas artist Dave Loewenstein was haunted by the words of an organic farmer. "If we can't sell it to working class people," the farmer had asked about his produce, "what are we doing?" Dave wondered the same thing of his art. He had a hard time seeing the point in his landscape paintings, even in a best-case scenario. "I started thinking about, well, who really sees these paintings? What happens to them after they're out of a studio. If you're lucky, they go into a gallery, if you're luckier, somebody who has the money can purchase them," he says. "In the end, it wasn't enough for me." So he started looking for another way to be an artist. Which was no small thing. He'd started painting landscapes as an undergraduate in college in Iowa, and he was on his way to earning a Masters of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of Kansas. He'd invested a lot of time and passion in pursuing this path. At his wit's end, he stumbled on a book in the libraryLawrence Muralist Dave Loewenstein On Bringing Art Out Of The Studio And Into Communitieshttp://kcur.org/post/lawrence-muralist-dave-loewenstein-bringing-art-out-studio-and-communities
107655 as http://kcur.orgFri, 21 Jul 2017 20:29:00 +0000Lawrence Muralist Dave Loewenstein On Bringing Art Out Of The Studio And Into CommunitiesIn the years following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert forged a path of his own on the political front. Today, we discuss the pivotal years of Bobby Kennedy's life as he grappled with the past while working toward a future of his own. Then, a new term is making waves in Missouri politics: " dark money ." We discuss how restricted transparency in government is causing a heated debate in the state.Robert Kennedy's Political Journey, And 'Dark Money' in Missourihttp://kcur.org/post/robert-kennedys-political-journey-and-dark-money-missouri
106274 as http://kcur.orgMon, 12 Jun 2017 20:45:38 +0000Robert Kennedy's Political Journey, And 'Dark Money' in MissouriLuke X. MartinWhen Mamie Hughes first came to Kansas City, back in the early 1950s, things were a bit different than they are now. "I used to wish I had a dollar for every time I was called n-----," says the 87-year-old.For Mamie Hughes, Decades Of Hard Work In Kansas City Leads To 'Positive Changes'http://kcur.org/post/mamie-hughes-decades-hard-work-kansas-city-leads-positive-changes
102812 as http://kcur.orgThu, 23 Mar 2017 19:02:06 +0000For Mamie Hughes, Decades Of Hard Work In Kansas City Leads To 'Positive Changes'As a former county lawmaker, teacher, community planner, advocate and volunteer, Mamie Hughes has had a lasting impact on Kansas City. Today, we look at life of one of the metro's most dedicated activists. Then, we meet the enthusiastic conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, and ask what it's been like leading "America's Orchestra" for more than 20 years. As part of the Harriman-Jewell Series , Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra will celebrate the music of George Gershwin at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 24. For ticketing information, visit KauffmanCenter.org .A Lifetime Of Kansas City Activism, And The Leader Of 'America's Orchestra'http://kcur.org/post/lifetime-kansas-city-activism-and-leader-americas-orchestra
102782 as http://kcur.orgWed, 22 Mar 2017 22:18:49 +0000A Lifetime Of Kansas City Activism, And The Leader Of 'America's Orchestra'Jen ChenOne day, about 20 years ago, Sherie Randolph was sitting on her couch, flipping through TV channels, when she saw something unusual. It was footage from the 1960s or 1970s of a black woman in a cowboy hat chasing Daniel Patrick Moynihan and "calling him a racist sexist bastard," Randolph recalled. "Of course, I knew who he was, but I didn't know who she was," Randolph told host Gina Kaufmann on KCUR's Central Standard . Randolph turned to her friend sitting next to her and asked, "Who is that?" And her friend, who had worked for Ms. Magazine, answered, "That's Flo Kennedy." That started something of an obsession with Randolph, who is now an associate professor of history at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the co-director of the Black Feminist Think Tank and author of Florynce "Flo" Kennedy: The Life of a Radical Black Feminist. "I think watching a black woman chase a white man and not be arrested was kind of exceptional," said Randolph. Kennedy was chasing Moynihan in response toRemembering Black Activist, Feminist And Kansas City Native Florynce 'Flo' Kennedyhttp://kcur.org/post/remembering-black-activist-feminist-and-kansas-city-native-florynce-flo-kennedy
101856 as http://kcur.orgTue, 28 Feb 2017 19:59:06 +0000Remembering Black Activist, Feminist And Kansas City Native Florynce 'Flo' KennedyEvery major advancement of African-Americans since the Civil War has been met and opposed by " white rage ," says Carol Anderson . Today, she explains how resentful whites have looked to halt the progress of blacks through discriminatory policies, laws, intimidation and violence. Then, Kansas Director of the Budget Shawn Sullivan reviews options for resolving his state's financial woes in light of Gov. Sam Brownback's veto of the legislature's latest budget proposal. Finally, Brian McTavish presents the latest Weekend To-Do List . Carol Anderson will speak about her book ' White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide ' at the Plaza Branch of the Kansas City Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 23. To reserve a seat go to KCLibrary.org .'White Rage' Against African-American Progress, And Kansas Budget Directorhttp://kcur.org/post/white-rage-against-african-american-progress-and-kansas-budget-director
101695 as http://kcur.orgThu, 23 Feb 2017 22:51:31 +0000'White Rage' Against African-American Progress, And Kansas Budget DirectorIn the early 1900s, in a home near 18th and Vine, a young black mother made her daughter promise never to have children. That little girl became a radical feminist, who pried her way into Columbia Law School in a time when they weren't even admitting black men. Historian Sherie Randolph unearths the life and times of the late Flo Kennedy. Plus, an encore broadcast: One local academic on performing around the world as Zora Neale Hurston. Guests: Carmaletta Williams , retired professor, African-American Studies, Johnson County Community College , author and performer, Zora Neale Hurston: Queen of the Harlem Renaissance Sherie Randolph , history professor, Georgia Tech , author of Florynce "Flo" Kennedy: The Life of a Black Feminist RadicalRemembering Zora Neale Hurston And Kansas City's Flo Kennedyhttp://kcur.org/post/remembering-zora-neale-hurston-and-kansas-citys-flo-kennedy
101539 as http://kcur.orgMon, 20 Feb 2017 17:40:48 +0000Remembering Zora Neale Hurston And Kansas City's Flo KennedyYou've probably driven through this cute little neighborhood between Westport and the Plaza, with its bungalows with stone porches. But you may not know that this neighborhood used to be called Steptoe — and it's where freed slaves built new lives for themselves. Hear more about this historic area and the project to collect and preserve its oral history. Also: Remembering Latino civil rights leader Gilbert Guerrero. Guests: Joelouis Mattox, local historian Delia Gillis, Professor of History and Director of the Center of Africana Studies, University of Central Missouri Raul Murguia Mary Sanchez, editorial columnist , The Kansas City Star Ed Mendez, Principal, Alta Vista Charter SchoolsKC's Steptoe Neighborhood, Remembering Gilbert Guerrerohttp://kcur.org/post/kcs-steptoe-neighborhood-remembering-gilbert-guerrero-0
101031 as http://kcur.orgWed, 08 Feb 2017 17:46:28 +0000KC's Steptoe Neighborhood, Remembering Gilbert GuerreroThe Kansas City chapters of the NAACP and the SCLC are under new leadership. We sit down with the new presidents of these two organizations to hear their vision for the future of KC. A recent New York Times article said: "Calling Peter Voulkos a ceramist is a bit like calling Jimi Hendrix a guitarist." We learn more about KC's rock star of clay. Guests: Rev. Rodney E. Williams, President, NAACP of Kansas City Rev. Vernon Howard, President, SCLC of Greater Kansas City Sherry Leedy, Director, Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art John Balistreri , Professor of Art at University of Bowling Green and Voulkos's longtime assistantNew Leaders Of KC's NAACP And SCLC Chapters, Peter Voulkoshttp://kcur.org/post/new-leaders-kcs-naacp-and-sclc-chapters-peter-voulkos
100745 as http://kcur.orgWed, 01 Feb 2017 17:59:55 +0000New Leaders Of KC's NAACP And SCLC Chapters, Peter VoulkosLisa RodriguezAcross the city, people celebrated the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with parades, dancing, singing and community service. For Rev. Dr. Vernon Howard, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City, the best way to honor that legacy is through activism. This year, paired with a celebration of King's life, is the official launch of a campaign for a ten-year, one-eighth cent sales tax increase to benefit the city's East Side. On Monday, the SCLC-GKC sponsored a community forum to discuss the proposed tax increase. The issue was brought to the city through a citizen-led petition initiative , and will be on the ballot for the April 4 election. Howard says that date is significant. "The Kansas City electorate gets an opportunity to take action in honor of Dr. King on the day that he was assassinated," Howard says. King was killed in Memphis on April 4, 1968. The proposed city-wide sales tax increase would go to support development in the area bounded byKansas City Organizers Honor Legacy Of Martin Luther King Jr. With Activismhttp://kcur.org/post/kansas-city-organizers-honor-legacy-martin-luther-king-jr-activism
100125 as http://kcur.orgMon, 16 Jan 2017 20:58:51 +0000Kansas City Organizers Honor Legacy Of Martin Luther King Jr. With ActivismFrom 60 degrees to a winter weather advisory in just a couple of days: yes, the weather here can be manic. A chat with Mike July, who recently retired from the National Weather Service office in KC, about the art of forecasting ... and about his witty social media posts. Then, in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. gave a surprising speech at K-State. We'll hear about the impression it left on Kansans. Plus, an encore presentation of The Grisly Hand's tribute to Richie Restivo , a Kansas City trumpeter who got everyone into music. Guest: Mike July, former Senior Forecaster, U.S. National Weather Service of Kansas CityNational Weather Service's Mike July, MLK's K-State Speech, Story Of A Songhttp://kcur.org/post/national-weather-services-mike-july-mlks-k-state-speech-story-song
99970 as http://kcur.orgThu, 12 Jan 2017 17:42:39 +0000National Weather Service's Mike July, MLK's K-State Speech, Story Of A SongLaura ZieglerAt 3 o’clock in the morning on Saturday, Alvin Sykes sent a text followed by a phone call to North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr who was still on the floor of the Senate. He didn’t hear back, so he assumed the worst. His bill was dead. But at 5:33 a.m. Kansas City time, Burr responded. “He sent a text,” Sykes told me over coffee at a Kansas City, Kansas diner. ”He said 'It just happened. Sorry it took all night, but it’s done.’” He was referring to the bill Burr, Sykes and a number of activists and academics have been trying to get passed. It would extend and expand existing legislation that gives law enforcement authority to reopen closed criminal civil rights cases. It’s called The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Reauthorization Act of 2016. It's named after Emmett Till , a 14-year-old African American who was kidnapped and brutally killed by two white men in Money, Mississippi, in August 1955. Till allegedly flirted with a white woman. The murderers were acquitted by an all-whiteAlvin Sykes' 'Till Bill 2' To Go To Obama’s Deskhttp://kcur.org/post/alvin-sykes-till-bill-2-go-obama-s-desk
98774 as http://kcur.orgTue, 13 Dec 2016 14:14:40 +0000Alvin Sykes' 'Till Bill 2' To Go To Obama’s DeskIn the hands of musicians like Charlie Christian , Carlos Santana , and Slash , the electric guitar has become a symbol for freedom, rebellion and rock 'n' roll. Then, find out why celebrities like Will Smith and Casey Affleck are taking new interest in the 1955 murder of Emmett Till. This week's Statehouse Blend Kansas features a discussion on the future of education, public and private. Devery Anderson will discuss his research and book, ' Emmett Till: The Murder That Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement ,' at Kansas City Public Library's Central Library at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15. For more information, and to RSVP, go to KCLibrary.org .A History Of The Electric Guitar, Emmett Till & The Civil Rights Fight, And Statehouse Blend Kansashttp://kcur.org/post/history-electric-guitar-emmett-till-civil-rights-fight-and-statehouse-blend-kansas
97769 as http://kcur.orgTue, 15 Nov 2016 23:00:47 +0000